Termites Are on the Move: Watch for Swarms This Spring

Spring is when everything starts to come to life. The grass is getting greener, the birds are chirping, and the flowers are blooming. But you’re not the only one welcoming spring into your home, termites might be doing the same.

Spring marks the start of termite season, and if you spot swarming termites, they could be a warning sign of a hidden infestation lurking beneath the surface. A swarming termite colony indicates that they have been around for at least five years. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect your home from costly damage.

Why Do Termites Swarm in Early Spring?

As temperatures rise and moisture levels increase, termite colonies start preparing to expand. Swarming termites take flight in search of new places to build their new colony, and homes with moisture-prone areas are desirable. Here are some of the top questions our professional termite exterminators get about swarms:

When Do Termite Swarms Happen?

• After the last freeze, usually when temperatures reach about 70 degrees.
• Swarming often occurs on warm, calm days after rainfall.

Why Do Termites Swarm?

• Swarming termites are looking for mates and nesting locations to start new colonies.
• Once paired, they break off their wings to become new kings and queens to establish a new satellite colony from the original.

Which Termites Swarm?

• Young adult male and female reproductive termites, also called alates.
• Female termites release ‘mating pheromones’ to entice male termites.

What Happens After Swarming?

• The new couple finds a moist location, settles in, and starts a colony.
• The new queen can live for 30+ years, producing millions of termites – 30,000 eggs per day!

Signs of a Termite Swarm

Unlike the usual hidden signs of termite damage, swarming termites leave more visible clues. Look for:

• Discarded wings near windows or doors
• Flying termites, especially around windows and doors

If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to take action before they establish a new colony.

Signs of a Termite Problem

Even if you don’t see a swarm, termites can still be causing damage behind the scenes. Watch for these warning signs:

• Mud tubes along walls or foundations
• Damaged wood that has maze-like patterns in it
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Buckling or bouncy floors or cracked walls
• Cracked or bubbling paint

And remember: the sooner you find a termite problem, the better. Ignoring them could lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your home. In fact, according to Angi.com, the national average to repair termite damage is $3,000. Termite monitoring is key, early detection can literally save you thousands.

How to Protect Your Home from Termites

While swarmers appear in the spring, termites are a problem year-round. Here’s what you can do to protect your home:

• Reduce excess moisture around your foundation by fixing leaks and improving drainage.
• Keep mulch and firewood away from your home.
• Schedule a termite inspection before peak season.
• Invest in termite control and prevention from a licensed pest control company.